Essay On Progeria

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This research paper is about the Genetic disease called Progeria. The medical term for Progeria is Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome or HGPS. Progeria is caused by a single nucleotide substitution. Progeria cannot be passed down from parent to child. Progeria is caused by random accident during cell division. Progeria affects a protein called Lamin A. Lamin A is encoded by the gene LMNA. LMNA is located on chromosome one. In Progeria, the nuclear envelope does not have the support to maintain its normal shape. Progeria gives all cells a risk at dying prematurely. First, the symptoms of Progeria can be noticed at birth, but often is mistaken for Scleroderma. Scleroderma are essentially post birth skin spots. The main symptoms of Progeria …show more content…

Once your child is diagnosed with Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome their lifestyle is massively affected. There are many steps every family with a family member with progeria has to take. A few of these steps include keeping your child well hydrated, provide frequent small meals, regular physical activity, custom comfortable shoes, lots of sunscreen, social and educational adaptations (Mayo Clinic). Living with Progeria is definitely a challenge, and it takes overcoming new obstacles everyday. Children with Progeria don’t have decreased learning capabilities as kids that don’t have Progeria. They can stay at the same academic level as someone without it. All the same educational and social aspects stay the same. A good way of improving the life of your child affected with Progeria is to find other families with someone diagnosed with Progeria. This offers someone for your child to connect with, and someone to relate to the same life challenges you face everyday. There is many support groups to help cope with Progeria. In reality, people affected with Progeria only live a lifespan that can be anywhere from 8 years old to 21 years old (APA). It is the harsh reality that most people affected with Progeria live a painful, and unfulfilling